It’s time to get down and dirty about something that can be causing you more problems than you think: your gut.
And it’s more than just what you eat; your gut health directly impacts the rest of your body, from your skin to your attitude and everything in between. So how exactly do we balance our gut? Let’s review!
What Is the Gut?
Commonly misinterpreted as the digestive or GI tract, the gut also includes the bacteria inside this bodily system. There are trillions of them, and they all have a job to do, which is why it’s vital that you maintain the peace in your gut as much as you can! There’s an important relationship between the bacteria living in the gut and your digestive tract microbiome, and variety is the hero between the two.
Signs of an Imbalanced Gut
Experts say the most common signs of an imbalanced gut include the following:
- Chronic pain
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Insomnia
- Migraines
- Changes in weight
- Depression and anxiety (90% of our body’s serotonin is made in the gut)
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, follow up with your doctor who can give you an appropriate diagnosis.
How to Balance Your Gut
Despite the effect a poorly balanced gut can have on your body, nursing yourself back to health doesn’t need to be difficult or costly! Here are some easy ways to balance your gut:
- Eat Colorfully: We’re talking fruits, veggies, protein…the whole nine yards! Having variety on your plate directly translates into having variety in your gut!
- Eat Fiber-Rich Foods: Keep it moving down there! Stock up on nuts, oats, legumes, seeds, and lentils. These are gut-friendly foods that’ll keep your gut from being stagnant.
- Eat Pre/Probiotic-Rich Foods: Foods like Greek yogurt, kombucha, almonds, broccoli, and kimchi stimulate and preserve the health of your gut’s immune system.
- Take Supplements: If you’re not a fan of probiotic-rich foods, consider taking them in a supplement form.
Have you heard about the importance of gut health? Let us know in the comments below!